Gilmore Takes on Reporter, Federal Government

Republican Senate Candidate James S. Gilmore III had a testy exchange yesterday with a reporter from Roanoke over how quickly consumers would see relief at the gas pump if the United States opened up more areas to drilling.

During a campaign stop in Roanoke County, Gilmore pushed his proposal to drill offshore and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. "I'm going to go up there and we're going to bring in this oil, we'll bring that oil in," Gilmore told a motorist, according to a video posted on WSLS's website.

But WSLS reporter Jay Warren asked Gilmore about a 2007 Energy Administration Report that stated offshore drilling would not have an impact on fuel prices until 2030.

"Baloney," Gilmore said.

"That's the federal government," Warren replied.

"I don't care what the federal government says," Gilmore responded. "We know that that's not right. The fact is we can bring in the oil quicker than that."